He says the aircraft is being transferred to the Safi Aviation Park, a cluster of aerospace facilities, and will be handled by painting specialist Aviation Cosmetics Malta.

The A380, fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, will receive a new livery ahead of commercial services, he adds.

Hi Fly has shown it has "bold plans" through its acquisition of the aircraft, says Borg.

The carrier lists the aircraft as part of its fleet, stating that it has 471 seats in a configuration which comprises 12 first-class, 60 business-class and 399 economy-class seats.

Hi Fly describes the aircraft's addition to its fleet as a "major event", stating that it becomes the fourth European airline – behind Lufthansa, Air France and British Airways – to introduce the type.

"We are extremely happy with the market reaction so far on this new availability in our wet-lease product offering," says chief executive Paulo Mirpuri.